The Beauty of Dressage
Dressage is a style of riding commonly seen at horse shows and the Olympics. The horse and rider perform a pattern that looks effortless, as the team appears to literally dance about the soft footing to the amazement of the spectators. The rider often times appears statuesque, and for those not familiar with horses or riding, it is hard to see the rider do even the slightest movement, letting the horse show off its dancing skills as they float along.
The horse appears well-rounded and muscular, able to carry out some of the more difficult moves such as the piaffe or passage. What many people don’t know is that dressage has a controversial secret, and that is known as Rollkur.
What is Rollkur?
Rollkur focuses on the horse’s headset. The point just behind the ears known as the poll should be the highest point when riding dressage, with the horse’s nose being perpendicular, neither too far back or poking too far forward. Rollkur encourages a low and deep headset, where the horse’s nose can almost touch its chest, and many people are not pleased with the extreme exaggeration of the poll and neck. Olympians have been known to use this method when riding and training, and people have begun to choose sides on the Rollkur battle.
The Good
Rollkur has been arguably said to provide benefits to the horse and rider. A spooky horse that is quick to break gait or run when scared can be ridden and handled in a safe manner using Rollkur. The low and deep headset prevents the scared creature from gawking at its surroundings looking for monsters, and helps them focus at the task at hand.
Many riders have used this method when training or warming up their mounts, then, as they enter the show ring, relax the Rollkur position and the horse naturally springs its head up exactly where it is supposed to be.
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There are a few top/well-known riders that have been photographed warming up or riding horse with their head held in the Rollkur position. This is was also seen a large, international competitions, where the horses have traveled far from home and might be frightened or concerned with their surroundings and new environment.
The Bad
The Rollkur haters club has grown immensely, despite the defensive arguments that it can be beneficial when used for short periods of time. Others, however, argue that the hyper-flexion of the poll and neck of the horse can cause injury, and is also bad riding. Bodies have limits, and as humans, we cannot over flex or we sustain injury or pulled muscles, and the anti-Rollkurers are defending this fact.
Horses ridden in this tight and strained form do not have the suppleness or flexibility needed to perform in dressage. The tension or focus turns to their neck and mouths that are held in the extreme position.
The FEI has banned Rollkur in competitions but some riders still use it during practice or warm-up for short periods. The FEI banned the method due to the concern of horse welfare and thus not to encourage the practice.
What Do You Think?
Rollkur has caused controversy in the horse world. The good versus the bad of Rollkur are causing people to choose sides. What do you think? Is it actually helping the horse and rider? Or do you think Dressage and horseback riding in general could be done without it?